Dida, my childhood idol – Okoye

Nigeria international and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, says retired 50-year-old Brazil goalkeeper Nelson Dida was his childhood hero, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The German-born disclosed this during an interview with the Italian Football Podcast.

Okoye joined Udinese last season after a difficult spell at Watford, where he made just two appearances during the 22/23 season.

After starting his Udinese career with bench roles, the Nigerian has gained the trust of the manager and fans alike to cement his position as the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper at the Italian Serie A club.

In this interview, the 25-year-old named Dida, the former AC Milan goalkeeper, as his role model growing up.

“Always Nelson Dida and never anyone else (who was my childhood idol). I’ve never met him, but I’ve had contact with him through other people; this makes me very happy,” Okoye said.

“I grew up watching Dida, standing in goal thinking I am Dida; he has given me lots of motivation; for me, he is the number 1 goalkeeper in the world.“Maybe I need to watch what I say (laughs), but I always supported Dida’s Milan.”The 16-capped Eagles shotstopper was reluctant to pick the best goalkeeper from the current crop.

“Very difficult to say. The way I learn, to build up play, I study (Marc-André) Ter Stegen. When I study high, I study Ederson. When I study, I study Thibaut Courtois. In different parts, there are different goalkeepers.

“Difficult to say who is the best, but the most complete is Alisson (Becker), Manuel Neuer. I don’t want to answer this question (laughs).”

Opening up on his time with Udinese thus far, Okoye said, “My first year was a little bit turbulent because I arrived at Udine from Watford. I didn’t play a lot at Watford; I was recovering from shoulder surgery. Luckily the Pozzo family gave me a chance here at Udinese.”

“I arrived as a second goalkeeper, but in 17 games I made it to the starting eleven. And then the journey started. I’m very happy with how things are going here.”

“I am very happy with my first season. It was crucial for us players and the club to stay up. Udinese has been in the Serie A for 30 years. I’m happy I could play a role to keep the club in Serie A, where the club belongs.”

“We had strong fans behind us in tough times. We made it on the last day.”

“For sure, there are lots of areas I can improve. To reach the level I want to be, I have a lot of things I can improve on. I’m surrounded by a very good goalkeeping team at Udinese.”